New Donnay X-Series - My Thoughts

suppawat thanks for the info . did they cut down the rackets because sw got to high or for other reasons ?

the swede

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They just said the extra 0.5" makes the racquet somewhat cumbersome to swing. I don't think it's because of higher swingweight because they can play with standard length racquet with 3-6g slide weight installed with no problem.

I bought the X-Blue99 last month, based solely on careful analysis of customer feedback reviews, playtester video validation, etc...turns out to be my BEST tennis racket purchase ever! Can't even describe in sensible Physics terms how the Xenecore technology can make the Blue99 feel soooooo darn good

I was using solely old skool rackets for the last 2yrs, preferring an all-court game with tactical volleying, attacking slices and heavy forehands with mid-range topspin application. Not like today's baseline flat hitters or wristy topspin bashers. My old rackets include the POG1987, POG II, Slazenger Pro Braided Trinity

Because the Blue99 has been so much of my magic stick for the past month, I got really disappointed when TW ran outta stock & didn't replenish; except for certain used stick resales which popped up but disappeared again just as fast So, naturally when the RED99 got listed as a Grade-A resale stick at irresistable price, I just had to make a quick move for it as my backup stick.

Alas, the RED99 turned out truly disappointing. It simply isn't anywhere near the BLUE99 league & quality. Referring to one user review in 2011 which says he felt a very strange "springy", trampoline-like feedback from its stringbed each time the ball leaves. That's EXACTLY the same phenomena I'm experiencing now

It's kinda depressing, cos I'm so dialed-in into the rock, solid, muted feel of BLUE99..that using the RED99 (as a backup doubles stick) ended up affecting my confidence. The "boing-boing" trampoline feel off the RED99 is so baffling; mysteriously unexplainable, as its specs are only 9g (static weight) & 12kg-cm^2 (swingweight) off from the BLUE99 - with ALL other things being equal (ATBE).

I restrung to a different co-poly mains @ 3lbs higher, but it doesn't overcome the trampoline signal. It's a saddening situation to love the BLUE99 so much..yet struggling to find any affection with the RED99..

My fellow Donnayians: Any suggestions on how i should reconstruct the stringbed to overcome this dilemma? I realize there's a 30-day satisfaction guarantee to this used stick, but the cost involved in returning it (all the way fr M'sia!) is a mental turnoff by itself

Question: Which frame or line series has the most muted, damp, buttery feel to it? The type of frame that makes a *thud* sound, not a *twang* sound?

Situation: I have three demo racquets on hand.
1.Pro One 16x19 strung with a full bed of multi,
2. X-White 99 Extended with poly mains
3. XP-Dual Black 102 with poly mains

I like the damp, muted feel of the Pro One, but it's the only demo strung with full multi, so I cant get a fair comparison, can't quite tell what's going on here, any assistance would be greatly appreciated.

Question: Which frame or line series has the most muted, damp, buttery feel to it? The type of frame that makes a *thud* sound, not a *twang* sound? I like the damp, muted feel of the Pro One, but it's the only demo strung with full multi, so I cant get a fair comparison, can't quite tell what's going on here, any assistance would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks!

Jack

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Although I have not tried all of them, the x-dark red immediately came to mind. The pro one doesn't compare in that respect. It also felt very sluggish, but had lots of power. Only prob is finding one.

Question: Which frame or line series has the most muted, damp, buttery feel to it? The type of frame that makes a *thud* sound, not a *twang* sound?

Situation: I have three demo racquets on hand.
1.Pro One 16x19 strung with a full bed of multi,
2. X-White 99 Extended with poly mains
3. XP-Dual Black 102 with poly mains

I like the damp, muted feel of the Pro One, but it's the only demo strung with full multi, so I cant get a fair comparison, can't quite tell what's going on here, any assistance would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks!

Jack

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what do you think about the x-white extended i have been looking on the white éxt and the yellow ext since i like the longer racket , currently with the instinct tour xl .

i finally added all three custom head weights for once and playtested it on my X-Blue94. it felt so much more controlled! i thought my racquet being so HL would give me some feel on the Blue94, when it actually bothered my forearm alot even with a shock absorber. considering i tried three different string setups (not a nat gut though) and the racquet still felt pretty stiff and springy (sometimes), with the custom head weights though it felt so solid all round. it had enough plowthrough to execute my groundstrokes how i wanted it, drove my volleys more nicely, and added a bit more punch on my serves. anyone else like this setup?

what do you think about the x-white extended i have been looking on the white éxt and the yellow ext since i like the longer racket , currently with the instinct tour xl .

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Hi t-swede,

I just double checked, the extended frame i have for demo (despite being mostly white) is actually called x-dual 99 silver light extended. Got it directly from Donnay, and not sold at TW. The specs are close, but differ a bit from the x-white 99 ext. Out of the three Donnays i demoed, it was my least favorite. Its not a bad hit, but i liked the others much more. Its a light and stiff frame, and somehow its way more comfortable and stable than the specs would suggest. I had fun serving with it, that's the strong suit. Had no trouble snapping my wrist and making tiny little adjustments mid swing, something that's always problematic with long and heavy. Just cant find a groove with it on groundies tho.

The x-p dual is pretty sweet, liked that much better right away within the first few swings. The Pro One however, hits like buttah.. So very plush and so effing awesome. I typically look for 100-105 extended, heavyish and headlight. The P1 isnt something i anticipated liking to this extent. I know where the ball is going, the sense of control I get could be real game changer for me. Unless I demo something that blows my doors off, i will have Donnay spec me some 27.25 or 27.5 Pro Ones.

--> If somebody could compare the P1 to the x-99 blue that would b super awesome! Those are impossible to demo, or even buy retail for that matter.

I bought the X-Blue99 last month, based solely on careful analysis of customer feedback reviews, playtester video validation, etc...turns out to be my BEST tennis racket purchase ever! Can't even describe in sensible Physics terms how the Xenecore technology can make the Blue99 feel soooooo darn good

I was using solely old skool rackets for the last 2yrs, preferring an all-court game with tactical volleying, attacking slices and heavy forehands with mid-range topspin application. Not like today's baseline flat hitters or wristy topspin bashers. My old rackets include the POG1987, POG II, Slazenger Pro Braided Trinity

Because the Blue99 has been so much of my magic stick for the past month, I got really disappointed when TW ran outta stock & didn't replenish; except for certain used stick resales which popped up but disappeared again just as fast So, naturally when the RED99 got listed as a Grade-A resale stick at irresistable price, I just had to make a quick move for it as my backup stick.

Alas, the RED99 turned out truly disappointing. It simply isn't anywhere near the BLUE99 league & quality. Referring to one user review in 2011 which says he felt a very strange "springy", trampoline-like feedback from its stringbed each time the ball leaves. That's EXACTLY the same phenomena I'm experiencing now

It's kinda depressing, cos I'm so dialed-in into the rock, solid, muted feel of BLUE99..that using the RED99 (as a backup doubles stick) ended up affecting my confidence. The "boing-boing" trampoline feel off the RED99 is so baffling; mysteriously unexplainable, as its specs are only 9g (static weight) & 12kg-cm^2 (swingweight) off from the BLUE99 - with ALL other things being equal (ATBE).

I restrung to a different co-poly mains @ 3lbs higher, but it doesn't overcome the trampoline signal. It's a saddening situation to love the BLUE99 so much..yet struggling to find any affection with the RED99..

My fellow Donnayians: Any suggestions on how i should reconstruct the stringbed to overcome this dilemma? I realize there's a 30-day satisfaction guarantee to this used stick, but the cost involved in returning it (all the way fr M'sia!) is a mental turnoff by itself

Eureka! Setting up a 50-53lbs full co-poly stringbed setup finally took care of the "trampoline" launch issue on my RED99. The 2week burn-in period for this stick was kinda rough for me (compared to almost zero adjustment time on the BLUE99); lots to things to discover/rediscover, adjust & tweak...before finally harvesting its full aerodynamic & techy frame advantages

The power level on my RED99 is still awesomely brutal though; control is still an issue. Suitable for an all-assault aggressive singles game..while the touch+feel finesse of my BLUE99 augurs better for all-court doubles play

Question: Which frame or line series has the most muted, damp, buttery feel to it? The type of frame that makes a *thud* sound, not a *twang* sound?

Situation: I have three demo racquets on hand.
1.Pro One 16x19 strung with a full bed of multi,
2. X-White 99 Extended with poly mains
3. XP-Dual Black 102 with poly mains

I like the damp, muted feel of the Pro One, but it's the only demo strung with full multi, so I cant get a fair comparison, can't quite tell what's going on here, any assistance would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks!

Jack

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Definitely the X-Platinum. It has the lowest stiffness rating and swingweight of the X series frames

Anyway have played with the X-Dual Gold 99? if so, have any string recommendations and tensions for the frame? I have strung it with Typhoon at 48/48 and found it to be too powerful. I play mostly from the baseline.

^ I'm also interested in what people have to say about the x dual Gold 99. All the specs (large head size, open string pattern) except for the beam width suggest that this racquet delivers a lot of power. But TW playtester, Chris, who i generally trust and agree with, gives it a 8.2/10 for power and 8.6/10 for control. Can someone compare the power and control level of this racquet with the BLX 6.1 95 16x18?

Anyway have played with the X-Dual Gold 99? if so, have any string recommendations and tensions for the frame? I have strung it with Typhoon at 48/48 and found it to be too powerful. I play mostly from the baseline.

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have you tried increasing the tension? not familiar with Typhoon but hopefully it's not too stiff.
Or you can try Volkl V Pro, it's supposedly a low power, control string

Anyway have played with the X-Dual Gold 99? if so, have any string recommendations and tensions for the frame? I have strung it with Typhoon at 48/48 and found it to be too powerful. I play mostly from the baseline.

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I tried Solinco Barb Wire at 53 lbs on the Platinum 99 and it worked well, excellent control and soft feel on hard hitting. I never tried it on Gold 99 but I think it should work well too.

^ I'm also interested in what people have to say about the x dual Gold 99. All the specs (large head size, open string pattern) except for the beam width suggest that this racquet delivers a lot of power. But TW playtester, Chris, who i generally trust and agree with, gives it a 8.2/10 for power and 8.6/10 for control. Can someone compare the power and control level of this racquet with the BLX 6.1 95 16x18?

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Definitely more power than the 6.1 95. I string my 99 golds with Pacific or Klip 16g Gut mains at 60 and Iso Pro Classic 17g at 60 on a lockout. I've found the Iso is very low power and very consistent over the long haul.

I'm doing some research about the dual x-pro frames that are for sale on the Donnay website, and I was really in doubt about the stiffnes of these sticks.

I've seen people saying that they plays like PD! others are saying that they looks more like the Prestige MP or some flex stock frames outhere! wow, these data are really confusing me!
After all, these rackets behave like 64RA stiff racquets or not?

and what about the Pro One 18x20, I read that they would be so or more comfortable than the dual x-pro, but how this would be possible with a 68RA stiff??!
Does the TW site specifications are wrong?

My fellow Donnayians: Any suggestions on how i should reconstruct the stringbed to overcome this dilemma?

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So a large dampener will cut down on the boing. But just so you know, I have a sorta similar experience with the Gold and Silver. The Gold is perfect for me when I'm feeling energetic, but when I'm fatigued it's a load. So I got a Silver thinking same stick just lighter. But it's very different and not for me.

I just got done demoing 3 more donnays and none of them are close to the gold.

I have a Gold, Pro One 16x19, and a Formula on their way from Donnay to demo. Honestly, I'm pretty excited to try them. I keep hearing about how great the feel is. I'm coming from a 350 gram weight and am looking to drop back into the 320's. I think I'll like the Gold and Pro One, but the Formula was just because I did play with a Pure Drive at one time. If I'm not crazy over these, I was going to switch to the IG Rad Pro. But, those threads on the new Wilson stuff have me thinking I'll wait until I can try them too.

I still love the X-Dual Silver. Kind of regret selling most of my Donnay's now.

I actually really wish Donnay would make something to compete with the Dunlop 400 Tour, which falls in between their 300 Tour (players frame) and the 500 Tour (tweener, direct competitor to the Formula 100).

I'd like to see them put something in the middle between the Pro One 97 16 x 19 and the Formula 100.

So a large dampener will cut down on the boing. But just so you know, I have a sorta similar experience with the Gold and Silver. The Gold is perfect for me when I'm feeling energetic, but when I'm fatigued it's a load. So I got a Silver thinking same stick just lighter. But it's very different and not for me.

I just got done demoing 3 more donnays and none of them are close to the gold.

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I never flet Gold is heavy even towards end of 3 long sets over 3 hours. It swings so light. But my BH never got tuned with Gold.

I still love the X-Dual Silver. Kind of regret selling most of my Donnay's now.

I actually really wish Donnay would make something to compete with the Dunlop 400 Tour, which falls in between their 300 Tour (players frame) and the 500 Tour (tweener, direct competitor to the Formula 100).

I'd like to see them put something in the middle between the Pro One 97 16 x 19 and the Formula 100.

I have a Gold, Pro One 16x19, and a Formula on their way from Donnay to demo. Honestly, I'm pretty excited to try them. I keep hearing about how great the feel is. I'm coming from a 350 gram weight and am looking to drop back into the 320's. I think I'll like the Gold and Pro One, but the Formula was just because I did play with a Pure Drive at one time. If I'm not crazy over these, I was going to switch to the IG Rad Pro. But, those threads on the new Wilson stuff have me thinking I'll wait until I can try them too.

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Two outings with the Donnay sticks. Donnay has done a remarkable job. All three hit well, but the Gold and Pro One stand out. The feel is incredible and I feel that I'm becoming addicted to this Donnay feel.

The X-Black 94 is definitely a plush stick. Not a lot of feedback from the frame (which I like). You can just carve through the ball however you like. I've been hitting with it stock; just an overgrip and dampener. It came with poly mains, gut crosses. Feels like it was strung on the low end. On serves, there is a noticeable difference in SW between it and my Prestige Mid. I wouldn't go so far as to call it "sluggish" - just different. I bet if I tracked down a customization kit and slapped on a weighted butt cap, that would bring it closer to what I'm use to. The stick does serve bombs, though. Counterpunching is awesome. It can send back serves and aggressive shots with a message. All in all, I love it and second everything Kal said in his review. Just wish the pj was better protected. I shed a little tear every time I dig out a low ball with a slice :sad:

Kal, I'm eyeing the Gold 99 as a zippier, more forgiving potential alternative to my 200 Tours, but the Plantinum could also be a contender. I play mostly on European clay with a SW forehand and 1 HBH, so I figured the spin friendlliness open patterned Gold should be preferable for me. However, although TW Chris and Spencer give very favorable reviews of the Gold, on this board I think the Platinum is more popular. I'm still working to improve my consistency from the baseline on clay coming from the s&v game I developed on the grass courts of Oz where I pounced on every opportunity to take the net (I'm 6'5...).

Kal, I'm eyeing the Gold 99 as a zippier, more forgiving potential alternative to my 200 Tours, but the Plantinum could also be a contender. I play mostly on European clay with a SW forehand and 1 HBH, so I figured the spin friendlliness open patterned Gold should be preferable for me. However, although TW Chris and Spencer give very favorable reviews of the Gold, on this board I think the Platinum is more popular. I'm still working to improve my consistency from the baseline on clay coming from the s&v game I developed on the grass courts of Oz where I pounced on every opportunity to take the net (I'm 6'5...).

What would your recommendation be?

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if you can handle the extra weight i would give the platinum look. you will get a little extra free power with the golds, but i like the benefit of more control. Power is a nice bonus, but you will win a lot of matches putting a few more quality shots in the court each point. aside from the extra power, i enjoyed the platinum 99 better in every aspect. In the 99 specs, I actually preferred the silver 99 with some tweaks over the gold.

Thanks, you make some convincing points there. Weight is not likely to be a problem coming from my 13 oz, ~345 SW 200 Tours... I switched to my current 16x19 200 Tours mostly because I struggled getting enough topspin from my 18x20 HPS 6.1. My groundstrokes have definitely improved since then, but how would you rate the Platinum in terms of spin potential (remember, I string low)?

if you can handle the extra weight i would give the platinum look. you will get a little extra free power with the golds, but i like the benefit of more control. Power is a nice bonus, but you will win a lot of matches putting a few more quality shots in the court each point. aside from the extra power, i enjoyed the platinum 99 better in every aspect. In the 99 specs, I actually preferred the silver 99 with some tweaks over the gold.

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Haven't tried the 99 but took my new X-Platinum 94. Apart from 5 minutes to adjust my strokes to an 18 x 20 string pattern (from a 14 x 18 on my POG mid), the X-Plat 94 was flawless. I haven't hit that consistently ever.

Groundies, overheads, volleys - Superb. Lots of power, spin, feel and no shock to my wrist or arm. I didn't get to serve but hopefully I'll do that this week.

if you can handle the extra weight i would give the platinum look. you will get a little extra free power with the golds, but i like the benefit of more control. Power is a nice bonus, but you will win a lot of matches putting a few more quality shots in the court each point. aside from the extra power, i enjoyed the platinum 99 better in every aspect. In the 99 specs, I actually preferred the silver 99 with some tweaks over the gold.

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Haven't tried the 99 but took my new X-Platinum 94. Apart from 5 minutes to adjust my strokes to an 18 x 20 string pattern (from a 14 x 18 on my POG mid), the X-Plat 94 was flawless. I haven't hit that consistently ever.

Groundies, overheads, volleys - Superb. I didn't get to serve but hopefully I'll do that this week.

BTW it may be heavy at 335 g unstrung, but the weight wasn't felt at all as it swings so effortlessly.
Donnay puts out an amazing racquet.

Haven't tried the 99 but took my new X-Platinum 94. Apart from 5 minutes to adjust my strokes to an 18 x 20 string pattern (from a 14 x 18 on my POG mid), the X-Plat 94 was flawless. I haven't hit that consistently ever.

Groundies, overheads, volleys - Superb. I didn't get to serve but hopefully I'll do that this week.

BTW it may be heavy at 335 g unstrung, but the weight wasn't felt at all as it swings so effortlessly.
Donnay puts out an amazing racquet.

Thanks Kal!!

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yea the x platinum 94 is awesome. in the dual series i like the platinum 99 better though. the x-platinum has a majority of the weight in the handle, so it swings a lot lighter than the listed weight of 335g

Thanks, you make some convincing points there. Weight is not likely to be a problem coming from my 13 oz, ~345 SW 200 Tours... I switched to my current 16x19 200 Tours mostly because I struggled getting enough topspin from my 18x20 HPS 6.1. My groundstrokes have definitely improved since then, but how would you rate the Platinum in terms of spin potential (remember, I string low)?

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i have had no issue with spin production from the platinum. easy to generate when you want it. Have you ever hit a pro stock head prestige? A lot of people say the platinums play in the ballpark of those

I tried and liked all the Donnay's. I boiled it down to the Gold 99 and the Platinum 99. I settled on the Platinum 99. The Gold was the best feel racquet I have ever hit with however, the Platinum shined in all the other areas better. Especially plow through, and have excellent control on all areas of the court. unlike some others, I actually found the Platinum more powerful then the Gold. I put on leather grips and may still add the 5 gram but cap. Both Platinum's were identical in weight and balance right off the shelf! That's the first time I have ever had that happen! very impressive! With the leather grips, mine weight 355 grams and balance at 31.0 cm.

I tried and liked all the Donnay's. I boiled it down to the Gold 99 and the Platinum 99. I settled on the Platinum 99. The Gold was the best feel racquet I have ever hit with however, the Platinum shined in all the other areas better. Especially plow through, and have excellent control on all areas of the court. unlike some others, I actually found the Platinum more powerful then the Gold. I put on leather grips and may still add the 5 gram but cap. Both Platinum's were identical in weight and balance right off the shelf! That's the first time I have ever had that happen! very impressive! With the leather grips, mine weight 355 grams and balance at 31.0 cm.

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that is a club! bet it plays nicely.. i haven't taken a plat up to that heavy yet but i bet it is a beast

sounds good man... i actually prefer the platinum 94 stock just the same with no slides or added cap. i also go overgrip and dampener with the leather on them... great set up... you tried any new string set ups yet?